Condensate water recycling system
By separating and recycling condensate and flash steam through a condensate recycling system, the problems of steam leakage from sewage wells and pipeline damage caused by high-temperature condensate have been solved, achieving energy conservation, emission reduction, and safety improvement.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HONGYUN HONGHE TOBACCO (GRP) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
The high-temperature condensate and flash steam generated during the cigarette manufacturing process cause flash steam to emerge from the sewage well, and the sewage pipes are deformed and damaged, requiring a lot of manpower and financial resources to repair.
Design a condensate recycling system that separates and recycles condensate and flash steam through a condensate tank, a pneumatic pump, and a heat exchanger. The condensate enters the water supply pipeline, and the flash steam is reused as condensate after heat exchange, avoiding direct discharge.
It enables the recovery and reuse of condensate and flash steam, avoids damage to sewage pipes, saves repair costs, and improves the safety and rationality of the system.
Smart Images

Figure CN224165661U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of condensate recovery technology, and in particular to a condensate reuse system. Background Technology
[0002] The core process in cigarette manufacturing, specifically the tobacco processing stage, involves high-temperature humidification of the tobacco shreds and leaves. This humidification process is achieved through equipment such as a tobacco drying machine. Currently, this is done by supplying steam to the drying machine. As the steam moves along the machine, it exchanges heat with the tobacco shreds and leaves, causing the steam temperature to drop and condensate. This condensate is then discharged into the outdoor sewage network through the drying machine's outlet. However, the condensate is quite hot and also produces a significant amount of flash steam. When this high-temperature condensate is discharged into the sewage network, it causes large amounts of flash steam to emerge from outdoor sewage wells, affecting pedestrian traffic. Furthermore, the high-temperature condensate can easily deform sewage pipes, and prolonged transport of this condensate can damage them, requiring substantial manpower and financial resources for repairs.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a condensate recycling system to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a condensate recycling system that can recover the high-temperature condensate and flash steam generated in the tobacco processing process and continue to use them in the tobacco processing, thereby achieving energy conservation and emission reduction. This solves the problem of large amounts of flash steam emanating from sewage wells, sewage pipes being easily deformed and damaged, and requiring a lot of manpower and financial resources for repair.
[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A condensate recycling system is used to recover condensate generated in cigarette manufacturing equipment, the condensate recycling system comprising:
[0007] A condensate tank is connected to the drainage pipe of the cigarette making equipment via a first pipe, and a first ball valve is provided on the first pipe.
[0008] A pneumatic pump and a compressed air source are provided. The pneumatic pump includes a water inlet, a water outlet, and an air inlet. The water inlet is connected to the bottom of the condensate tank, the water outlet is connected to the water supply pipeline in the cigarette manufacturing process, and the air inlet is connected to the compressed air source. When the liquid in the pneumatic pump reaches a certain height, the compressed air source will deliver compressed air into the pneumatic pump.
[0009] The heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange tube and a second heat exchange tube. The inlet and outlet of the first heat exchange tube are both connected to the top of the condensate tank. The inlet of the second heat exchange tube is connected to the ambient temperature water tank, and the outlet of the second heat exchange tube is connected to the water supply pipeline.
[0010] As a preferred technical solution for a condensate recycling system, a check valve is provided on the conveying pipeline used to connect the outlet and the water supply pipeline.
[0011] As a preferred technical solution for the condensate recycling system, the pneumatic pump also includes an air outlet, which is connected to the condensate tank.
[0012] As a preferred technical solution for the condensate recycling system, a third ball valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the air outlet and the condensate tank.
[0013] As a preferred technical solution for the condensate recycling system, the pneumatic pump further includes a first pressure gauge and an exhaust valve. The first pressure gauge is configured to monitor the internal air pressure of the pneumatic pump, and the exhaust valve is used to depressurize the pneumatic pump.
[0014] As a preferred technical solution for the condensate recycling system, the pipeline connecting the compressed air source and the pneumatic pump is equipped with a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is electrically connected to the start / stop switch of the compressed air source. When the compressed air source is de-energized, the start / stop switch sends an electrical signal to the solenoid valve, causing the solenoid valve to be de-energized.
[0015] As a preferred technical solution for the condensate recycling system, the condensate recycling system further includes a condensate drain, which connects the overflow pipe of the condensate tank and the floor drain.
[0016] As a preferred technical solution for the condensate recycling system, the condensate tank is equipped with a glass tube level gauge, which is used to detect the water level in the condensate tank.
[0017] As a preferred technical solution for the condensate recycling system, the condensate tank further includes a second pressure gauge, which is used to detect the air pressure inside the condensate tank.
[0018] As a preferred technical solution for the condensate recycling system, a temperature sensor is provided at the outlet of the second heat exchange tube to detect the temperature of the liquid at the outlet of the second heat exchange tube; the ambient temperature water tank and the second heat exchange tube are connected through a second pipeline, and a regulating valve is provided on the second pipeline to regulate the liquid flow rate of the second pipeline.
[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0020] This utility model provides a condensate recycling system that transports condensate and flash steam generated during the cigarette manufacturing process to a condensate tank. The flash steam rises and accumulates at the top of the tank, separating it from the condensate. The condensate at the bottom enters a pneumatic pump and is then pumped into the cigarette manufacturing process's water supply pipeline for recycling. This avoids the problem of directly discharging high-temperature condensate into sewage pipes, causing deformation and damage, and saves significant manpower and financial resources for sewage pipe repair. Simultaneously, the flash steam accumulated at the top of the condensate tank enters a first heat exchange tube and, along with room-temperature water, enters a second pipeline. The flash steam and room-temperature water exchange heat in the first and second heat exchange tubes, causing the flash steam to cool and condense, which then enters the condensate tank. From there, it is pumped back into the cigarette manufacturing process's water supply pipeline. The room-temperature water, after heat exchange, also rises and can be reused in the same pipeline, improving the overall design rationality of the condensate recycling system. Flash steam is cooled by heat exchange and then condensed into water for recycling, avoiding the problem of large amounts of steam escaping from sewage wells and making people's travel safer. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the condensate recycling system provided by this utility model.
[0022] In the picture:
[0023] 100. Cigarette processing equipment; 200. Water supply pipeline;
[0024] 1. Condensate tank; 11. First pipeline; 12. First ball valve; 13. Glass tube level gauge; 14. Second pressure gauge;
[0025] 2. Pneumatic pump; 21. Water inlet; 22. Water outlet; 23. Air inlet; 24. Air outlet; 25. Third ball valve; 26. First pressure gauge; 27. Check valve; 28. Solenoid valve;
[0026] 3. Compressed air source;
[0027] 4. Heat exchanger; 41. First heat exchange tube; 42. Second heat exchange tube; 43. Second ball valve;
[0028] 5. Room temperature water tank; 51. Temperature sensor; 52. Second pipeline; 53. Regulating valve; 6. Drainage device. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not the entire structure.
[0030] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0032] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.
[0033] like Figure 1As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a condensate recycling system for recovering condensate generated in a cigarette manufacturing equipment 100. The condensate recycling system includes a condensate tank 1, a pneumatic pump 2, and a heat exchanger 4. The condensate tank 1 is connected to the cigarette manufacturing equipment 100 through a first pipeline 11. The high-temperature condensate and flash steam generated in the cigarette manufacturing equipment 100 can enter the condensate tank 1 through the first pipeline 11. After the condensate and flash steam enter the condensate tank 1, the flash steam accumulates at the top of the condensate tank 1. At this time, the flash steam separates from the condensate, and the condensate is placed at the bottom of the condensate tank 1. The first pipeline 11 is equipped with a first ball valve 12 to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline 11. The pneumatic pump 2 includes a water inlet 21, a water outlet 22, and an air inlet 23. The water inlet 21 is connected to the bottom of the condensate tank 1, allowing the condensate at the bottom of the tank to enter the pneumatic pump 2. The water outlet 22 is connected to the water supply pipeline 200 in the cigarette manufacturing process, allowing the condensate to enter the pipeline 200 for recycling, thus achieving energy conservation and emission reduction. The air inlet 23 is connected to a compressed air source 3. When the condensate level in the pneumatic pump 2 reaches a certain height, the compressed air source 3 delivers compressed air to the pump 2, pumping the condensate back to the condensate tank 1 to ensure a safe condensate level and safe operation. The heat exchanger 4 includes a first heat exchange tube 41 and a second heat exchange tube 42. The inlet and outlet of the first heat exchange tube 41 are both connected to the top of the condensate tank 1. The inlet of the second heat exchange tube 42 is connected to the ambient temperature water tank 5, and the outlet of the second heat exchange tube 42 is connected to the water supply pipeline 200. When the ambient temperature water in the ambient temperature water tank 5 flows along the second heat exchange tube 42, it can exchange heat with the flash steam flowing along the first heat exchange tube 41. After the flash steam cools down, it generates condensate, which flows into the condensate tank 1, then enters the pneumatic pump 2, and finally flows into the water supply pipeline 200 in the cigarette manufacturing process for recycling. At the same time, the ambient temperature water is heated after being heated by the flash steam. The heated ambient temperature water can then flow into the water supply pipeline 200 in the cigarette manufacturing process for continued use. If the heated room temperature water is returned to the room temperature water tank 5, the temperature of the room temperature water in the room temperature water tank 5 will rise, which will affect the condensation effect on the flash steam in the later stage. Therefore, the heated room temperature water is drawn into the water supply pipeline 200, which makes the design of the condensate recycling system more reasonable.
[0034] The condensate recycling system provided in this embodiment transports the condensate and flash steam generated during the cigarette manufacturing process to a condensate tank 1. The flash steam rises and accumulates at the top of the condensate tank 1, separating the flash steam from the condensate. The condensate at the bottom enters a pneumatic pump 2 and is then pumped into the water supply pipeline 200 for the cigarette manufacturing process, achieving recycling. This avoids the problem of cold and high-temperature condensate being directly discharged into sewage pipes, causing deformation and damage to the sewage pipes, and saves a significant amount of manpower and financial resources for sewage pipe repair. Simultaneously, the flash steam accumulated at the top of the condensate tank 1 enters the first heat exchange tube 41 and, along with room-temperature water, enters the second pipeline 52. The flash steam in the first heat exchange tube 41 and the room-temperature water in the second heat exchange tube 42 exchange heat, causing the flash steam to cool and form condensate, which enters the condensate tank 1 and is then pumped by the pneumatic pump 2 into the water supply pipeline 200 for the cigarette manufacturing process. After heat exchange, the room-temperature water increases in temperature and can then flow into the water supply pipeline 200 for the cigarette manufacturing process, continuing to be used and improving the overall rationality of the condensate reuse system design. Flash steam, after heat exchange and cooling to form condensate, is recycled, avoiding the problem of large amounts of steam escaping from sewage wells and making travel safer.
[0035] The inlet of the first heat exchange tube 41 and the condensate tank 1 are connected by a third pipeline. A second ball valve 43 is installed on the third pipeline to control its opening and closing. If the heat exchanger 4 requires maintenance, the operator can adjust the second ball valve 43 to shut off the third pipeline, ensuring normal maintenance of the heat exchanger 4. At this time, the operator can open the pressure relief valve of the condensate tank 1 to release the flash steam inside, ensuring the safe use of the condensate tank 1.
[0036] In this embodiment, the temperature of the recovered condensate and the temperature of the room temperature water after heat exchange are both less than or equal to 80 degrees Celsius. At this time, the condensate and the room temperature water flowing into the water supply pipeline 200 will not affect the pipeline of the water supply pipeline 200.
[0037] The pneumatic pump 2 is equipped with a liquid level sensor, which is electrically connected to the power switch of the compressed air source 3. When the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level in the pneumatic pump 2 has reached a certain height, it sends an electrical signal to the compressed air source 3. At this time, the compressed air source 3 is powered on and compressed air is supplied to the pneumatic pump 2, thereby pumping the condensate in the pneumatic pump 2 back to the condensate pipe and ensuring the safe use of the pneumatic pump 2. The liquid level sensor is a commonly used component in industry, and its specific structure and working principle can be found in existing technology, which will not be elaborated further here.
[0038] Preferably, a check valve 27 is provided on the conveying pipe connecting the water outlet 22 and the water supply pipe 200. This prevents the condensate delivered by the pneumatic pump 2 to the water supply pipe 200 in the cigarette manufacturing process from flowing back and affecting the safe operation of the pneumatic pump 2. The check valve 27 is a one-way valve, a commonly used component in industrial applications. The specific structure and working principle of the check valve 27 can be found in existing technology and will not be elaborated upon here.
[0039] In this embodiment, the pneumatic pump 2 also includes an air outlet 24, which is connected to the condensate tank 1. This allows the compressed gas supplied to the pneumatic pump 2 by the compressed air source 3 to be released, ensuring that the internal pressure of the pneumatic pump 2 remains at a safe level. Simultaneously, the compressed air entering the condensate tank 1 provides initial cooling to the flash vapor within the condensate tank 1. This ensures that when the flash vapor exchanges heat with room temperature water, more flash vapor will form condensate after the heat exchange, thus improving the flash vapor conversion rate.
[0040] Preferably, a third ball valve 25 is provided on the pipeline connecting the air outlet 24 and the condensate tank 1. The third ball valve 25 is normally open. When there is too much condensate in the pneumatic pump 2, the compressed air source 3 supplies compressed air to the pneumatic pump 2. At this time, the air pressure of the pneumatic pump 2 is greater than the air pressure of the condensate tank 1. The compressed air in the pneumatic pump 2 will flow into the condensate tank 1. The third ball valve 25 is normally open, so that the compressed air in the pneumatic pump 2 can flow into the condensate tank 1 quickly, thereby depressurizing the pneumatic pump 2 and keeping the air pressure of the pneumatic pump 2 at a safe state.
[0041] Furthermore, the pneumatic pump 2 also includes a first pressure gauge 26 and an exhaust valve. The first pressure gauge 26 is configured to monitor the air pressure inside the pneumatic pump 2, and the exhaust valve is used to release pressure from the pneumatic pump 2. By observing the first pressure gauge 26, the operator can know the air pressure inside the pneumatic pump 2 in real time. When the air pressure inside the pneumatic pump 2 is too high, the operator can release the pressure by opening the exhaust valve to further ensure the safe use of the pneumatic pump 2.
[0042] Furthermore, a solenoid valve 28 is installed on the pipeline connecting the compressed air source 3 and the pneumatic pump 2. The solenoid valve 28 is electrically connected to the start / stop switch of the compressed air source 3. When the compressed air source 3 is de-energized, the start / stop switch sends an electrical signal to the solenoid valve 28, causing the solenoid valve 28 to be de-energized. At this time, the pipeline connecting the compressed air source 3 and the pneumatic pump 2 is closed. When the compressed air source 3 is de-energized, it stops supplying compressed air to the pneumatic pump 2. The steam generated by the condensate in the pneumatic pump 2 flows along the pipeline towards the compressed air source 3. The de-energization of the solenoid valve 28 closes the pipeline connecting the compressed air source 3 and the pneumatic pump 2, thus preventing steam from entering the compressed air source 3 and avoiding steam damage to the internal components of the compressed air source 3, thereby extending the service life of the compressed air source 3.
[0043] In this embodiment, the condensate recycling system also includes a condensate drain 6, which connects the overflow pipe of the condensate tank 1 to the floor drain. If the pneumatic pump 2 malfunctions, the condensate cannot flow into the water supply pipe 200 through the pneumatic pump 2. At this time, the water level of the condensate in the condensate tank 1 will gradually rise until it reaches the overflow pipe, at which point the condensate can flow into the floor drain through the overflow pipe along the condensate drain 6. The condensate drain 6 has a steam-blocking and drainage function, preventing flash steam from entering the floor drain, which not only reduces the risk of pipe deformation but also avoids the problem of flash steam coming out of the sewage well cover. The condensate drain 6 ensures that even if the pneumatic pump 2 malfunctions, it will not affect the normal operation of the cigarette manufacturing process. The condensate drain 6 is a commonly used component in the industrial field, and its specific structure and working principle can be found in existing technology, so it will not be described in detail here.
[0044] In this embodiment, the condensate tank 1 is equipped with a glass tube level gauge 13. The glass tube level gauge 13 is configured to detect the water level in the condensate tank 1. Through the glass tube level gauge 13, the operator can observe the liquid level in the condensate tank 1 in real time. If there is too much condensate in the condensate tank 1 and the water is not drained in time, it may damage the pneumatic pump 2. At this time, the operator can open the drain port of the condensate tank 1 to drain some of the condensate to ensure that the liquid level in the condensate tank 1 is at a safe position, thereby ensuring the safe use of the pneumatic pump 2 and the heat exchanger 4. The glass tube level gauge 13 is a commonly used component in the industrial field, and will not be described in detail here.
[0045] Furthermore, the condensate tank 1 also includes a second pressure gauge 14, which is used to detect the internal pressure of the condensate tank 1. As flash vapor accumulates, the pressure in the condensate tank 1 gradually increases. With this increased pressure, the flow rate of condensate into the pneumatic pump 2 increases, and the liquid level in the pneumatic pump 2 rises faster. Due to the increased pressure in the condensate tank 1, the compressed air supplied by the compressed air source 3 may be unable to push the condensate in the pneumatic pump 2 back into the condensate tank 1. In this case, both the pressure in the condensate tank 1 and the pressure in the pneumatic pump will be excessively high, posing a serious safety hazard to the condensate reuse system. During the cigarette manufacturing process, operators can monitor the pressure in the condensate tank 1 in real time by observing the second pressure gauge 14. If the pressure in the condensate tank 1 is too high, operators can promptly open the pressure relief valve to release the gas and prevent safety hazards in the condensate reuse system.
[0046] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor 51 is provided at the outlet of the second heat exchange tube 42 to detect the temperature of the liquid at the outlet of the second heat exchange tube 42. That is, the temperature sensor 51 can detect the temperature of the room temperature water after heat exchange, which can prevent the room temperature water temperature after heat exchange from being too high, causing deformation or damage to the water supply pipeline 200. Further, the room temperature water tank 5 and the second heat exchange tube 42 are connected through a second pipeline 52. A regulating valve 53 is provided on the second pipeline 52 to regulate the liquid flow rate of the second pipeline 52. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51 is too high, the operator can increase the liquid flow rate of the second pipeline 52 through the regulating valve 53 to ensure that the room temperature water temperature after heat exchange meets the requirement of less than or equal to 80 degrees Celsius. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51 is too low, the operator can decrease the liquid flow rate of the second pipeline 52 through the regulating valve 53, so as to achieve flash steam heat exchange to form condensate while preventing excessive room temperature water from flowing into the water supply pipeline 200, thereby ensuring the stability of the water pressure of the entire water supply pipeline 200. The addition of regulating valve 53 further improves the rationality of the condensate recycling system design.
[0047] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A condensate recycling system for recovering condensate generated in a cigarette making machine (100), characterized in that, The condensate recycling system includes: The condensate tank (1) is connected to the drain pipe of the cigarette making equipment (100) through the first pipe (11), and the first pipe (11) is equipped with a first ball valve (12); The pneumatic pump (2) and the compressed air source (3) are provided. The pneumatic pump (2) includes a water inlet (21), a water outlet (22) and an air inlet (23). The water inlet (21) is connected to the bottom of the condensate tank (1). The water outlet (22) is connected to the water supply pipeline (200) in the cigarette making process. The air inlet (23) is connected to the compressed air source (3). When the liquid in the pneumatic pump (2) reaches a certain height, the compressed air source (3) will deliver compressed air into the pneumatic pump (2). The heat exchanger (4) includes a first heat exchange tube (41) and a second heat exchange tube (42). The inlet and outlet of the first heat exchange tube (41) are connected to the top of the condensate tank (1). The inlet of the second heat exchange tube (42) is connected to the ambient temperature water tank (5). The outlet of the second heat exchange tube (42) is connected to the water supply pipeline (200).
2. The condensate recycling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A check valve (27) is provided on the delivery pipe used to connect the water outlet (22) and the water supply pipeline (200).
3. The condensate recycling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pneumatic pump (2) also includes an air outlet (24), which is connected to the condensate tank (1).
4. The condensate recycling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A third ball valve (25) is provided on the pipeline used to connect the air outlet (24) and the condensate tank (1).
5. The condensate recycling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pneumatic pump (2) further includes a first pressure gauge (26) and an exhaust valve, the first pressure gauge (26) being configured to monitor the air pressure inside the pneumatic pump (2); the exhaust valve being used to depressurize the pneumatic pump (2).
6. The condensate recycling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pipeline used to connect the compressed air source (3) and the pneumatic pump (2) is equipped with a solenoid valve (28). The solenoid valve (28) is electrically connected to the start / stop switch of the compressed air source (3). When the compressed air source (3) is powered off, the start / stop switch sends an electrical signal to the solenoid valve (28) to de-energize the solenoid valve (28).
7. The condensate recycling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condensate recycling system also includes a condensate drain (6), which is connected to the overflow pipe of the condensate tank (1) and the floor drain.
8. The condensate recycling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condensate tank (1) is equipped with a glass tube level gauge (13), which is used to detect the water level in the condensate tank (1).
9. The condensate recycling system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The condensate tank (1) also includes a second pressure gauge (14), which is used to detect the air pressure inside the condensate tank (1).
10. The condensate recycling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the second heat exchange tube (42) is equipped with a temperature sensor (51), which is used to detect the temperature of the liquid at the outlet of the second heat exchange tube (42); the ambient temperature water tank (5) and the second heat exchange tube (42) are connected through a second pipeline (52), and a regulating valve (53) is provided on the second pipeline (52), which is used to regulate the liquid flow rate of the second pipeline (52).